The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page - March 13, 2007
PRINCETON BANTAMS WIN 'A' BANNER
The Princeton Bantams went into the play-offs sitting in fourth spot out of eleven teams. Their first game was against Summerland. This game was not much trouble for the team as they won a decisive victory, which saw Taylor Esselink score a record 4 goals.
The game ended 13 to 8. Princeton's next game was against a strong South Okanagan team. Princeton took control of the first period scoring three goals to their two. Then South Okanagan turned up the heat scoring four goals in the second to our two giving them the led going into the third.
Bryce Markin tied the game just forty seconds into the third with Colton Williams getting the go ahead goal. Bryce once again scored with seven minutes remaining to give them a two goal lead. South Okanagan scored a goal to get within one but Princeton held on with some excellent saves by Jesse Murray. Princeton won 8 to 7.
Their next game was against Penticton #3 who had their number all year.
This game was going to be a real test, but the team was more than up for it winning their first game against this team 9 to 5. This put Princeton into the "A" banner final, which is a best of three.
The first game was in Penticton, which turned into a real barn burner. Princeton opened the scoring four and half minutes into the first, but Penticton tied it up with just over a minute to go. Both goalies were hot, Jesse made numerous saves to keep the team in. Colton scored forty seconds into the second period giving Princeton the lead. Bryce then put his second of the game in.
The whole team were skating their hearts out you could just tell they wanted to win. Penticton pulled to within one before the start of the third, and then tied the game with eighteen minutes to go. With just over a minute to go Princeton just peppered the Penticton goalie hitting three posts missing an open net to end the third tied. This sent us into over time four on four hockey for four minutes. With Bryce and Jonas as forwards, and Colton and Ian on defense they started the overtime period. With just a minute and a half gone Bryce got his third goal of the game to win it 4 to 3.
That game saw every player on that team contribute so much it made me proud the way they banded together. Game two would be in Princeton. Penticton took a quick two goal lead, but Princeton would not allow their hopes of winning the banner at home be stolen. Colton answered back with two of our own to end the first period tied.
In the second Princeton came on strong but once again Penticton's goalie was equal to the challenge. Riley Nikic playing only his second time in net played a unbelievable game for his team turning away numerous shots. The second period saw both teams score their third goal of the game.
The team went into the dressing room for the ice clean and when they came back out you could tell who was the better team. Princeton took control and never looked back scoring four more times to win the "A" banner 7 to 3. These players Kiel Liberatore, Taylor Esselink, Colton Williams, Bryce Markin, Ryan Hearty, Jonas Montgomery, Ian McKenzie, Keaton Ashley, Justin Milligan, Brandt and Jared Fenrick, Riley Nikic, Cody Wharton, and Jesse Murray played like true champions and never gave up even when they fell behind.
As their coach I am very proud of what they have achieved this year. Congratulations on winning the "A" banner team.
